The End of the Year Draws Nigh

It doesn't seem like 10 years since we celebrated the dawn of a new millennium. Now we're at the dawn of another decade - will it see peace in the Middle East or is that a hope too far? Will there be fewer refugees seeking safety around the world?
On a personal level this year is ending better than it began, with many of the heartaches and headaches in the past. Although I needed to visit hospital this afternoon I don't envisage seeing in the New Year there this time.
So what will the new year bring? Nationally, a general election of course. For Stockton Borough Council a decision on how it operates in the future - with a directly elected mayor or with a leader elected by the elected councillors. For most of the Borough's young people the excitement of the final designs for MyPlace and for the new schools to be built or refurbished. For Eaglescliffe, Yarm and Ingleby Barwick a decision on where and how big to have the 3 schools in this area once money is available.
And all that will be against a background of initiatives and policies and strategies being churned out by whoever is in charge at Westminster which local government will have to abide by with reduced funding and increased responsibilities.